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Lamar Miller Fantasy Football Week 11 Projection

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By @Brandon__Raper

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One of the most pleasant surprises of the 2014 fantasy football season has been the emergence of Miami Dolphins RB Lamar Miller. Miller stepped up following Knowshon Moreno’s season-ending ACL tear to become a serviceable fantasy back. However, with Miller still recovering from a shoulder injury and facing a tough Buffalo Bills defense, you should proceed with caution when it comes to starting him in Week 11.

Miller is officially listed as questionable, and has reportedly been a limited participant in Dolphins practices this week. Whether that’s part of the plan due to the short week leading to a prime time Thursday night contest is anybody’s guess, but he has been quoted saying he expects to play. If he’s healthy enough to go, then he should be the featured back, but there’s always the lingering possibility of a shared workload eating into Miller’s touches.

When healthy, Miller is usually good for about 14 or 15 carries per game. The Bills do have a stout rushing defense, allowing an average of just 96.1 yards per game, and allowing just three players to surpass even 70 yards individually.

Those players – Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears, Jerick McKinnon of the Minnesota Vikings and Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs – each carried the ball at least 15 times. They were also the clear workhorses for their teams, a luxury Miller may not have. Miller does get some looks in the passing game, but it’s unlikely that will make a major impact.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to start Miller is up to your depth and risk tolerance. Considering the lingering injury, the short week, and even questions about the offensive line and QB Ryan Tannehill’s overall health, I would suggest that this is a matchup to avoid if you have any other viable options.

Projection: 10 carries, 48 yards, 0 TD

Brandon Raper is the lead golf writer and an NFL contributor for Rant Sports. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @Brandon__Raper, and join him on Google+.

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